Cotter at the double for Robins (From Basingstoke Gazette)

Cotter double erases painful Tadley memories

8:52pm Sunday 10th March 2013 in Andover By Sports editor Kerry Miller

Stockbridge 2 Amesbury Town I.

Stockbridge moved up to tenth place in the Wessex League Division One with a 2-1 victory over Amesbury Town at the Recreation Ground with man of the match Dave Cotter netting both goals.

Amesbury shaded the first half with Pete Roberts in the Robins’ goal pulling off a number of fine saves but Stockbridge had their chances too with Cotter twice bringing good saves from Amesbury keeper Nick Safe who also denied Steve Witt.

Stockbridge made a perfect start to the second period when a cross from the left by Jack Hutchings was steered home by Cotter. Soon after they made it 2-0 when Mike Barker found Cotter who made no mistake from close in. With Stockbridge in the driving seat Witt and Cotter again brought fine saves from Safe but with five minutes left Amesbury pulled a goal back when Roberts found himself stranded leaving an easy tap in for Nathan Jones – his 50th goal for Amesbury.

Manager Stuart Thomson was naturally pleased with the win after the heavy midweek loss at Tadley Calleva.

“We played well in the second half and in truth we should have had a few more. It got the Tadley game out of our systems and with Fleet Spurs on Tuesday, and Hythe and Dibden on Saturday, weather permitting we have a good chance to move up.”

Thomson will welcome back Paul George and Gavin Burgess on Tuesday and he has also signed Lee Cogan on dual registration forms from Andover Lions and young wide man Josh Barnett from Whitchurch.

On Tuesday Stockbridge play hosts to Fleet Spurs k.o 7-45 and on Saturday they travel to Hythe & Dibden.